The Petards

Introduction to Pet Arts

The Petards, a rock group from Schrecksbach, Hesse, released their fourth studio album, Pet Arts, on March 31, 1971. This ambitious double LP was produced under Liberty Records and features a diverse array of musical styles. The album marks a notable transition for the band, showcasing their evolution from 1960s beat-pop to a more intricate sound influenced by progressive rock and psychedelic elements.

Recording and Production

Engineered by Dieter Dierks at Dierks Studios near Cologne, Pet Arts benefited from the expertise of several producers. The Petards collaborated with Dieter Eberle and Siegfried E. Loch during the recording process. This partnership facilitated a rich sound that blends various genres, resulting in a complex listening experience.

Band Lineup and Transition

The Petards consisted of brothers Klaus and Horst Ebert, along with bassist Rüdiger Waldmann and drummer Raymund Baum. Klaus Ebert took on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and keyboards, while Horst Ebert contributed lead guitar and vocals. Shortly after the album's recording, Klaus Ebert departed to pursue a career as an A&R/producer at Metronome Records. This lineup played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Pet Arts.

Musical Diversity

Pet Arts contains fourteen tracks spread across four sides. The album features shorter melodic pop-rock songs such as "Don't You Feel Like Me" and "Good Good Donna," alongside longer, more experimental pieces. Tracks like "Willie's Gun / Windy Nevermore" and "Flame Missing Light," which runs for 8:51, delve into heavy progressive and psychedelic rock territory. This blending of styles illustrates the band's ambition to expand their musical horizons.

Conclusion

This release is available in vinyl format as a 2xLP. It was released as Liberty Records LBS 83 487/88 X.